Thomas Bridge 07 July 2014

Government reveals billion pound local investment plan

Ministers have revealed plans for £6bn of funding for regions to invest in housing, transport infrastructure, faster broadband and skills training.

Prime minister David Cameron said allocating the money to councils and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) was about ‘firing up’ the country’s cites, town and counties.

The investment - including £2bn from the Local Growth Fund – will cover projects in the six years from 2015/16. It is expected this first wave of local agreements will lead to work on over 150 roads, 150 housing developments and 20 railway stations.

Lord Heseltine – whose No Stone Unturned report was fundamental in creation of the Local Growth Fund – described today’s announcement as ‘a giant step in the rebalancing of our economy’.

Leeds City Region was awarded what is thought to be the largest sum announced today, securing £572.9m for the six years following 2015/16.

As part of the £476.7m allocated to Greater Manchester, some £50m will be used to revamp the local transport networks – including a £18m investment in the Metrolink system.

Some £55m was also provided for London’s Skills Capital programme, which is expected to help create the specific skills required by local businesses.

Projects beginning in 2015 to 2016 will have to be matched by local investment worth around twice the central government contribution.

Cameron said: ‘For too long our economy has been too London-focused and too centralised. Growth deals will help change all that. They are about firing up our great cities, towns and counties so they can become powerhouses.’

Deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, who also chairs the Local Growth Cabinet Committee, said: ‘We are ending a culture of Whitehall knows best. Decisions over spending on infrastructure, business support and housing are being made at a truly local level.’

Greg Clark, minister for cities, said: ‘Today is the day when we back local leaders to create jobs and prosperity in their area.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Early Help Family Practitioner - 12 month FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£39150.00 - £42861.00 per annum
Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward.Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward. As England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Project Support Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Two exciting Project Support Officer – SEND opportunities have arisen within our Home to School Transport team. One role is permanent and the other a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 12.5 hours per week, whole time Permanent Required as soon as possible The children, staff, and governors of Chester Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£37,101 - £45,352
Class Teacher  M3-M6 £37,101 - £45,352 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required to cover maternity leave from Monday 5th January 2026 until the date Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner